What is the Chamber of
Commerce?
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization for
businesses and professional people dedicated to promoting the civic and
economic vitality of our community.
The Chamber is funded by membership dues, tax dollars, and Chamber programs. We are
not affiliated with any local government nor accountable to any other
organization. The Chamber works for a healthy economic climate of good
jobs, efficient government, and capital creation.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce's strength lies in the number and
diversity of our membership. Because the Chamber collectively embodies
the vast expertise of many businesses, it has the knowledge and insight to
identify issues of importance to the business community. The Chamber
accomplishes what one business or professional cannot do alone.
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What does a Chamber do?
A Chamber of Commerce represents the interest of its membership with spirit
and cooperation in helping to set a philosophy and plan for the economic
development of the community.
The programs of the Chamber address those community factors which affect
economic development, local government, transportation, education, cultural
events and others.
The Chamber of Commerce represents the business and professional interests
before elected bodies. Ordinances, legislation and regulations affecting
the business and economic climate are addressed by the Chamber at the local,
state and national level.
The Chamber is also an organization of opportunity. Through networking
events, the Chamber brings its membership together and creates opportunities for
personal interaction which develop into business relationships.
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Functions of the Macon County Chamber
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce is a chartered legal entity formed to
promote economic development in the county. The purpose of the Chamber,
according to its by-laws, is "to advance the general welfare and prosperity of
the Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs areas so that its citizens and all areas
of the business community shall prosper." All necessary means of promotion
are utilized by the Chamber, and particular attention is paid to the economic,
civil, commercial, cultural, commercial, industrial and educational interests in
the area. The Chamber receives its funding through the membership of a
dedicated business community. In addition, a percentage of the Chamber's
funds come from the City of Lafayette and from Macon County. Because a
percentage of funds comes from tax dollars, the Board of Directors has a strong
commitment to the community.
The Chamber works with Macon County, Lafayette and Red
Boiling Springs in prospecting industrial development. Because of efforts
by the Chamber and the three government entities, several new businesses have
found a home in Macon County in the last few years.
Tourism information is also available through the Chamber office. This
includes brochures, hotel information, maps and area events calendars.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce welcomes inquiries from businesses and
industries who are looking for a new home. The Chamber also welcomes
inquiries from local residents and out-of-town visitors concerning visiting and exploring Macon County, Tennessee. Please call the Chamber
any time we may be of assistance.
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Meetings
The Chamber of Commerce meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month
at 11:30 a.m.
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History
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce was chartered in March 1963. The
Chamber became inactive for several years and was reorganized on November 11,
1980. The Chamber of Commerce office is located in Lafayette's Key Park in
a log home built in 1842, the year of Macon County's birth.
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Staff
The staff of the Chamber of Commerce is the most visible part
of the Chamber of Commerce. These are the people who answer the phone,
gather information, greet visitors, attend ribbon cuttings and a thousand other
things to keep your Chamber of Commerce working every day!
Lona Vinson
Executive Secretary
Sherry Mayhew
Assistant Secretary
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